Kyushu J7W1 "Shinden" #2 - bibliography

Unfortunately the bibliography of the "Shinden", apart from mentions in numerous X-plane publications and articles, is very limited. The only publication specifically dedicated to the plane was originally released in October 1978 by Bunrindo in their "blue FAOW" series as #102 and then reprinted in January 1982 and January 1986 in their "white FAOW" series as #129 and #153 respectively.

All the publications are identical with only minor differences, are long out-of-print and presently VERY hard to find. They have not been updated/reprinted by Bunrindo. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For modellers the best immediately available option is the "Concept Note" by Zoukei Mura which is in English too.

 

Visit also THIS page of Zoukei Mura to download the building instructions of their marvellous kit and more.

Japanese X-plane Library #4

Title: "Rikukaigun Shisaku Sentoki" (Army/Navy Experimental Fighters)
Author: Komine Bunzo, Kunimoto Yasufumi, Tanaka Kazuo, Ibukuro Toyohiko
Published by: Gakken 2001 p/b, out-of-print
Pages: 182, Size: 18X26cm, Photos: 132 of which 26 in colour, CG Illustrations: 24 in colour.

An excellent publication by Gakken with plenty of very realistic and inspiring CG illustrations by Hosaka Muneo and a good collection of high quality photos of four types: Mitsubishi "Reppu, Kyushu J7W1 "Shinden", Mitsubishi Ki-83 & Tachikawa Ki-94. Includes manual drawings of the four as well as super detailed "Shiden" interior illustration fold-out and multi-view drawings of all four  aircraft in 1/100.  

The book is all in Japanese and highly recommended to all Japanese X-plane fans.
A small number is now available through our on-line shop for $US30. Send us an email if interested.

Japanese X-plane Library #3

Title: "Seimitsu Zumen O Yomu-Nihon RikuKaigun Shisakuki"

(Design With Precision #4: Japanese Army & Navy Experimental Aircraft) 

Author/Artist: Matsuba MinoruPublished by: Kantosha, 1997 p/b, Out-of-print

Pages: 196 Size: 21 X 30 cm 

Multi-view illustrations in 1:48 by the late artist Matsuba Minoru, with photos, data and short history of the following X-planes: Kawasaki Ki-5, Ki-28, Ki-45, Ki-60, Ki-64, Tachikawa Ki-70, Kawasaki Ki-78, Mitsubishi Ki-83, Nakajima Ki-87, Kawasaki Ki-88, Manpi Ki-98, Mitsubishi J4M1 "Senden", Nakajima J5N1 "Tenrai", Kawanishi J6K1 "Jinpu", Mitsubishi A7M2 "Reppu", Yokosuka R2Y1 "Keiun", Kawanishi E15K1 "Shiun", Aichi S1A1 "Denko".

An excellent publication, highly recommended to all Japanese X-plane fans!

Although the publication is out-of-print and fairly difficult to be found, the individual illustrations were originally featured in various issues of the magazine Aireview, and these together with DWP#4 are occasionally available through our magazine. Ask for availability.

Japanese X-plane Library #2

Title: "Rikugun Shisaku Sentoki - Army Experimental Fighters"

Author: Various

Published by: Bunrindo 1990 p/b, In print

Pages: 96, Size: 18X26cm, Photos: 138 b/w, Illustrations: b/w drawings for each type.

An important publication for all the IJAAF X-fighters of the usual practical and light Bunrindo size, in low price. It combines material from the previously published FAOW#76 & #94 and is highly recommended for the photographic material. 

Types covered: Kawasaki Ki-5, Nakajima Ki-8, Nakajima Ki-11, Nakajima Ki-12, Mitsubishi Ki-18, Kawasaki Ki-28, Mitsubishi Ki-33, Kawasaki Ki-60, Kawasaki Ki-64, Mitsubishi Ki-83, Nakajima Ki-87, Tachikawa Ki-94, Kawasaki Ki-96, Kawasaki Ki-102 and Kawasaki Ki-108.

Also the following articles:

1. "Army Experimental Fighters Ki-8~Ki-94" - various authors

2. "From Ki-96 to Ki-102" - Nemoto Tsuyoshi (or Takeshi) (Former Kawasaki engineer)

3. "Ki-108/Ki-108Kai high altitude fighter" - Doi Takeo (introduction not necessary)

4. "Army Experimental Fighters that remained plans" - Akimoto Minoru

5. "Army Experimental Fighters from the notes of a test department member" - Kimura Noboru (Member of the Army Test Department with the rank of Major)

6. Data for each type

7. Drawings by Nohara Shigeru

The book is all in Japanese and highly recommended to all Japanese X-plane fans.

Japanese X-plane Library #1

Title: "Nihon Riku-Kaigun Shisaku / Keikakuki"

(The X-planes of the Imperial Japanese Army & Navy)

Author: Nohara Shigeru

Published by: Green Arrow 1999 p/b, Out-of-print

Pages: 300, Size: 18X26cm, Photos: 234 b/w, Illustrations: on almost every page.

The X-plane bible!!! The absolutely necessary book for every X-planes fan and Japanese airplane researcher. All the lesser known types and prototypes are included here accompanied with photos wherever possible and illustrations. Here a list of the types covered:

IJAAF - Mitsubishi 2MB2, Rikugun 3-seat Experimental light bomber, Ishikawajima CM-1 (R-1), Rikugun Experimental Model 3 Fighter, Mitsubishi 2MR1, Mitsubishi 1MF2, Ishikawajima T-2, Ishikawajima T-3, Nakajima N-35, Nakajima Bulldog, Kawasaki KDA-3, Ishikawajima R-2, Ishikawajima R-3, Mitsubishi 2MR7, Ishikawajima R-5, Mitsubishi Ki-7, Kawasaki KDA-6, Kawasaki Ki-5, Nakajima Ki-8, Nakajima Ki-11, Nakajima Ki-12, Mitsubishi Ki-18, Mitsubishi Ki-33, Nakajima Ki-19, Kawasaki Ki-28, Kawasaki Ki-45 (prototypes), Mitsubishi Ki-46-IV, Nakajima Ki-58, Kawasaki Ki-60, Kawasaki Ki-64, Tachikawa Ki-70, Manpi Ki-71, Tachikawa Ki-74, Tachikawa Ki-77 (A-26), Kawasaki Ki-78 (Ken 3), Mitsubishi Ki-83, Nakajima Ki-87, Kawasaki Ki-88, Kawasaki Ki-91, Tachikawa Ki-92, Rikugun Ki-93, Tachikawa Ki-94, Kawasaki Ki-96, Manpi Ki-98, Kawasaki Ki-100-II, Kawasaki Ki-102, Kokusai Ki-105, Tachikawa Ki-106, Tokyo Ki-107, Kawasaki Ki-108, Mitsubishi Ki-109, Nakajima Ki-115, Nakajima/Manpi Ki-113, Ki-116, Ki-117, Kawasaki Ki-119, Nakajima Ki-201, Tachikawa "TaGo" and some of the Kokugen plans in brief.

IJNAF - Yokosho 1Go, Rohrbach R-Go, Kaibo Gikai KB, Kawasaki KDN-1, Mitsubishi 1MF9, Mitsubishi 2MR5, Nakajima E4N1, Kawanishi K11, Aichi AB-3, Aichi AB-4, Kokusho Type91 Intermediate Trainer, Nakajima NAF-1, Mitsubishi 1MF10, Mitsubishi 2MT10, Nakajima NAF-2, Mitsubishi KA-8, Kawanishi E8K1, Mitsubishi KA-9, Mitsubishi KA-14, Hirosho G2H, Nakajima B4N, Nakajima LB2, Mitsubishi KA-12 B4M, Kawanishi E10K, Kawanishi K6K, Watanabe K6W, Aichi F1A, Mitsubishi K7M, Kawanishi E11K, Aichi E12A, Kawanishi E13K, Watanabe K8W, Nippi K8Ni, Nippi L7P, Nakajima G5N, Mitsubishi A5M3, Aichi M6A, Aichi M6A1-K, Kyushu Q1W, Nakajima J5N, Mitsubishi A7M, Yokosuka P1Y1-S, Mitsubishi J2M4, Kyushu J7W, Nakajima G8N, Yokosuka D3Y, Mitsubishi Q2M, Yokosuka R2Y, Kawanishi J6K, Kawanishi H11K, Mitsubishi A6M8, Nakajima "Fugaku", Aichi S1A, Mitsubishi J8M, Nakajima "Kikka", Yokosuka "Ohka". Kawanishi "Baika", Nakajima "Tohka", Yokosuka MXY1 & MXY5.

The book is all in Japanese, out-of-print and not easy to find but occasionally we have an extra copy or two around. Our price is $US50. Email us for availability.  

Mitsubishi Ki-90

Old "blue" FAOW #50, Bunrindo June 1974, on the Mitsubishi Ki-67 "Hiryu", included a short article on the "Ki-90" project. Here's the translation:

Ki-90... A DREAM THAT DIDN'T COME TRUE

Around February 1938, there were discussions between the Army and Mitsubishi on the subject of building the Ki-90. The Army planned to cooperate with the Junkers company in redesigning the Ju 90, a four-engine, 40 passenger, aircraft. Their goal was to produce ten aircraft in an effort to establish a fleet/formation of transports. For the redesign, 30 technicians from the Army and 20 from Mitsubishi were to be selected and dispatched. In an effort to cover the necessary expenses of this venture, soy beans from Manchukuo were to be exported to Germany. Personnel were sent to Germany with urgency to begin negotiations. Only the best electronic equipment was to be installed.

There were no joint examination meetings between the Army and Mitsubishi and some people had misgivings about the project. Nevertheless Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the Army's consultants gave a very urgent go-ahead without any investigation or study because the departure date of the group bound for Germany was so close at hand.

On May 27, 1938 the Yasukuni Maru departed from Kobe with the head office's business section chief, Takeda Jiro and other official personnel to begin the advance of the project. On July 25, five people from Mitsubishi visited Junkers in Dessau. During the conference, various types of aircraft, including the Ju 90, were displayed in flight. All negotiations proceeded verbally. Many topics were discussed, such as the possibility of installing a U.S. made air cooled engine, armament, bomb load etc. A general design and performance statement was requested by the Junkers designers. After providing them with this information, we returned to Berlin and awaited a reply.

Since after some time, no answer was forthcoming, we sent a reminder. Still not having received a response, we went to the Japanese embassy and visited ambassador Osima in an effort to expedite receiving the necessary documents from the German executives.

On September 9, people concerned from both Japan and Germany gathered in Dessau at the Junkers plant; hopes were high. During the meeting, the Junkers representatives showed us what their research had come up with, presenting a simple general design of the Ki-90. However, they went on to say that because of the seriousness of the European situation they would be unable to tie Junkers factories up with a Japanese bomber design. They also asked us to try to understand their situation.

Reluctantly, we gave up on Junkers and moved to negotiate with Focke-Wulf in an effort to turn the "Condor" into a Ki-90. The people at Focke-Wulf were eager to cooperate and flew a Condor to Japan to show us [Mitsubishi] and the Army the performance of the aircraft. The Army didn't like it. When we later realised what the "Condor" was to become, the "Devil of the Atlantic," we had regrets about the Army's decision.

So, another plan was made to negotiate with the American company Boeing and I left for America from Germany. In March 1939, I spoke with executives of the company at their Seattle factory. I was told that designing a Japanese bomber inside the company would not be possible but that cooperation in creating a joint design could be done in a hotel room or office used by the Japanese. I was told that after the aircraft's design was completed, it would be possible for Boeing to get government permission to manufacture it. As the Army continued considering the issue, the world situation worsened, and as a consequence the Ki-90 plan came to nothing.

(Author: Former Mitsubishi Heavy industries engineer)

Akimoto Minoru-sensei in his magnum opus "Nihon Rikugun Shisakuki Taikan" (All the Experimental Aircraft in Japanese Army), Kantosha 2008, has two entries for the Mitsubishi Ki-90 and explains that "Ki-90" was only a tentative name for the joint Japanese-German project.

 Details about the actual Mitsubishi Ki-90 project were included in a 1943 plan for future aircraft. The Ki-90 was to be a short range bomber able to 1. attack enemy airfields and aircraft on the ground, 2. liaise with ground forces and 3. attack naval vessels. Although horizontal bombing would be it's main role, the dive bombing option could also be possible. Halfway range was 1,500km plus two hours of extra flight. Normally the aircraft was to opperate between 4,000 and 10,000meters. Armament would consist of two 20mm and two to three 13mm cannons. Normal bombload is mentioned as 500kg but for short distances this could be augmented to 1,000kg and the aircraft should also be capable of carrying a torpedo.

March 1946 was the date for completion of all testing but the whole project remained only a plan.

Although the publication is pricy ($US57), all in Japanese, with not that many or big photos I have no qualms whatsoever to recommend this book to any Japanese X-plane fan. E-mail us if you want a copy.  

Japanese Experimental Trasport Aircraft of the Pacific War, by Giuseppe Picarella

Title: "Japanese Experimental Transport Aircraft of the Pacific War"

Author & Illustrator: Giuseppe "Joe" Picarella

Published by: Mushroom Model Publications, ISBN 978-83-61421-41-2, h/b,

Contact: http://www.mmpbooks.biz/

 Pages: 248, Size: A-4, Photos: 312 (17 in color), 62 drawing and illustration sets most in color. 

Received last weekend a copy of this new publication and I like it!

I was originally taken aback by the title...I mean, how many "experimental" Japanese transports were out there and what kind of book would someone write about them, but once I started going through the pages I got to like the book a lot.

So, basically, forget the title. This book is the best effort so far on the much overlooked subject of J. Navy and Army transports in any language. The first two chapters offer excellent overviews of the organisation of the transport units of IJAAF and IJNAF with plenty of details on the Navy transport kokutai. 

Chapter 3, 20 pages, is specifically about the operations of paratroops and special forces.

Chapter 4, 25 pages, is about the experimental transports of the Army. It covers types like Tachikawa Ki-77 & Ki-74, the best ever coverage and photographic material on the Tachikawa Ki-92 as well as the Mitsubishi Ki-97, Kokusai Ki-105 "Otori", Tachikawa Ki-110, Kokusai Ki-111, Tachikawa Ki-114 and Ki-120.

Chapter 5 deals with the navy experimental transports, specifically the Nippi L7P1, Kawanishi H11K1-L "Soku", Kawanishi K-60, K-120, K-200 and Showa L2D5. Finally a rather "what-if" Dewoitine/Mitsubishi D.350.

Chapter 6 & 7 deal with the IJAAF & IJNAF experimental gliders and their units with good photographic coverage and plenty of information.

Chapter 8 is a photo coverage of the transport planes that carried the surrender delegation while chapter 9 features a very interesting photo collection of captured transports at the end of the war.

Chapter 10 is entitled "Post-war Japanese Transport Operations" and examines how the Allies used a number of Japanese transports immediately after the end of the war and in chapter 11 how they evaluated them. The short but with excellent photos, 13 of them in color, chapter 12 is about the "Surviving Transport Aircraft of Imperial Japan".

The final chapter 13 is a photo album of Japanese transports with 42 photos of exceptional quality.

Appendixes 1 & 2 cover in short most if not all the J. Navy and Army transports of WWII. Appendix 3 includes a document entitled "Service manual for L2D2" while appendix 4 presents a list with the civilian registrations of transports while appendix 5 explains the Japanese Aircraft Designations and Allied Code Names.      

Overall: Don't hesitate to buy this book due to the title. It's a highly recommended publication, of interest to J. aviation fans as well as modellers who will find in it a treasure trove of information and modelling ideas. Some of the photos can be found in past publications but in this book they are bigger and of better quality. There is a good number of brilliant new photos, especially the Ki-92 set, and "Joe" Picarella has made the book really beautiful with his detailed illustrations. 

(Special thank yous to the author and publisher for the copy.

No thanks to Osprey who haven't sent me copies of the books I contributed material in.)